Networking & Communications

Outsourcing opponents believe that innovation and manufacturing are indivisible. In other words, a company has to understand how to manufacture a product before it can design it. Designers need feedback from production staff to glean insight necessary for design. Granted there are times when design and manufacturing can operate in isolation, but many would say these occasions are the exception, not the rule. Is there a way to make outsourcing benefit both sides, or is it the beginning of the end for the outsourcer? Is outsourcing self-destructive or a valid concept?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

Many would like to think green industries are the hope of the economy, but the facts call for adjusted expectations. These companies rely heavily on government subsidies, so for now their growth potential is limited by funding. A recent study estimates U.S. green jobs to be one-half of 1% of the country's total employment, about the number of positions lost in January. How many jobs can we realistically expect the green sector to create?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

The UK and U.S. are wrestling with how involved the national government should be in policing some executive compensation. The practicality of shareholder control is called into question because of the potential of business decisions being marginalized. Too often, management considers shareholder directives to be advisory. The U.S. financial institution compensation bill allows regulators to obtain incentive program information and rule on whether there is a risk to the financial system's stability. This still leaves the question: Who best rules on an individual's pay? Should shareholders or governments determine the size and structure of executive compensation?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

A Harvard study found that current wind technology can generate more than enough electricity to meet the nation's energy needs. But the U.S., for example, lacks an adequate distribution system to bring wind power online. To build the necessary electrical grid, countries will have to pay a steep price tag. But renewable energy proponents don't have the lobbying muscle to garner the required support to make it happen. Does the U.S. have the will and political wherewithal to jump-start adoption of wind power? How have others taken the first step?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology tested the effects of video games on children and young adults in three countries. Some of the games, such as "Crash Twinsanity," involved violence and destruction; others, such as "Super Mario Sunshine," socially acceptable activities, like cleaning up pollution. Those who played anti-social games exhibited negative results. The other group showed socially constructive attitudes. One conclusion would be the equivalent of: We are what we eat. Do you think these games make good or bad people?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.